How to Layer Makeup

My style philosophy has always been: simple pieces make sophisticated outfits. Instead of spending paycheck after paycheck on complete sets of outfits, buy simple, versatile pieces that can be mixed and matched into different outfits for different occasions. This mantra serves me well especially since Im still on a college budget, so I decided to apply that philosophy into makeup.

With so many beauty trends floating around, it can be very tempting to splurge on hauls to complete those looks. Let us apply the "simple pieces make sophisticated outfits" theory to a few beauty trends.

This look is a great alternative to bright eyeshadow. What versatile products can we use in this situation?

Eyeko Skinny Liquid Eyeliner in Black, $16 | Sephora Collection Nano Eyeliner in Blue Jean, $5

Black eyeliner is always versatile; check out this pin. As for color eyeliner, you can use it like you would a jumbo eye pencil: draw over your eyelid, then smudge. Also, the product shown here is only $5!

There is nothing more naturally gorgeous than a perfected contour. What versatile products can we use in this situation?

 Benefit Hoola Bronzing Powder, $28 | Rimmel Stay Matte Liquid Mousse Foundation in Light Ivory, $4.99

Makeup doesnt get more versatile than this. Every woman should have foundation and bronzer in their beauty arsenal. Check out this post for a short guide to contouring.

With the right products, you can achieve beautiful lashes without having to resort to falsies. What versatile products can we use in this situation?

Tarte Lights, Camera, Lashes 4-in-1 Mascara, $20 | Lancome Cils Booster XL Super-Enhancing Mascara Base, $24.50

A lot of beauty bloggers claim that for best results, you should use specific mascara for specific needs. If you want length, use a lengthening mascara. If you want volume, use a volumizing mascara. If you want both, use both. It works a lot better than an all-in-one mascara, which I have to agree with, but not if you chip out the $20 to get this Tarte one especially if you want length and volume. With a mascara base, any mascara you put on will be magnified.

People are really getting creative with lip looks now. What versatile products can we use in this situation?

Maybelline Baby Lips Moisturizing Lip Balm in Quenched, $4.49 | TheBalm Stainiac, $17

Ah, the lip stain. Its probably the most versatile of all lip products. You can create ombre/gradient looks like the one in the picture above, you can put it on sheer, and you can use it like you would lipstick. The only downside is that lip stains tend to dry out your lips, so a swipe of lip balm over it will not only keep your lips moisturized, it will lock the color in as well. Clear lip balm can also be used all the time on its own.

Nails are the best creative outlet for women. What versatile products can we use in this situation?

MAC Nail Lacquer in Skin Creme, $16 | Essie Nail Color in Blanc, $8.50

You can use these two nail colors to spin a twist on the classic French manicure. You can do it like in the picture above. You can have a nude base with white tips. You can have a white base with nude tips. You can gradient the tips. You can have geometric tips. The possibilities are endless!

Note: I specifically chose these products because I am recommending them, not because Im getting paid to do so.

Do you have a product that you work into a lot of your looks?